Posted on March 10, 2023
The Silent Epidemic: Understanding the Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the function of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of problems, including fatigue, memory loss, and depression. But what exactly is vitamin B12, and what causes vitamin B12 insufficiency?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body's nerves and blood cells healthy. It also helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. However, some people may not absorb enough vitamin B12 from food. This can happen due to certain medical conditions or medications. People over 50 years old are also at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency because they may not absorb enough of the vitamin from food.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of problems. These problems can include fatigue, memory loss, mood changes, and depression. A severe deficiency can even lead to psychosis (a mental disorder where someone loses touch with reality).
If you think you might have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it's important to see your doctor for testing and treatment. Treatment for a vitamin B12 deficiency usually involves taking supplements or getting injections of the vitamin.